*contains affiliate links & a gifted device
Good Morning,
A solid skincare routine has been one of the few habits that hasn’t changed or been interrupted/cancelled/postponed during this pandemic. As I get older I realise how important skincare is and consistency is key. It doesn’t take much of a slip for things to deteriorate and as someone who has suffered with acne in the past, I’m grateful for every single day I wake up with clear skin.
Cleanse
I’ve been using Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel for 10+ years. It’s the only thing that leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed. I’ve tried other cleansers over the years but I always gravitate back to this one. I do a cleanse first thing in the morning and a double cleanse in the evening. There’s no better feeling than taking your make up off after a long day and doing a deep cleanse. I’ve been using the Foreo Play for over a year now and it’s the best way to ensure I get all the grit and dirt removed from my skin. It gives a much deeper cleanse than could be achieved by hand and leaves my skin feeling baby soft. It’s part of my evening wind down routine and a non-negotiable task.
Exfoliate
I usually exfoliate two or three times per week. In summer it tends to be more frequent as I find my pores get clogged up easier while wearing sunscreen and during the warmer months. I use Gentle Cream Exfoliant by Dermalogica. I don’t like harsh exfoliants with large particles, they are too abrasive on my skin. This one is really gentle but effective and leaves my skin feeling polished and smooth. It looks like they’ve now discontinued this product however I’ve used Daily Microfoliant in the past which is also good. They have a new powder exfoliant, Daily Superfoliant which I might try next time I’m ordering.
Another product I like to use now and again is Sephora Charcoal Nose Strips. My nose is my problem area when it comes to blocked pores and these strips help draw out the impurities. I put them on while in the bath and I’m always amazed when I take them off at how much ‘gunk’ is in our skin. They are super affordable and I stock up every time I’m in Paris or Europe.
Moisturise
In the past my skin has been a normal/oily combination however at the moment I’d say it’s more of a normal/dry combination. I don’t know if it’s all the time spent indoors or a general change in my skin as part of the ageing process however I’ve found I’m having to apply more moisturiser than ever. My go to moisturiser is a really affordable product, Simple Replenishing. Again, I’ve tried other products in the past however this is the one that agrees best with my skin overall.
Eye Cream
As I get older I’m adding more products for specific areas with the eyes being the most important. I generally use Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift. It’s lightweight and gentle, nourishing the eye area whilst combatting puffiness and dark circles. I’ve also used Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream which is a much richer formula, naturally coming with a higher price tag.
A good way of sampling products to get the right match is to order travel size or minis as that way you don’t need to spend the full price until you know it works for you and agrees with your skin.
SPF
Certainly the most important aspect of my skincare routine, daily SPF is an essential. You don’t realise how exposed your skin is to the sun even on gloomy days. I’ve been using Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster SPF50 on my face for years now. It actually featured in my first ever blog post when it was previously named oil free matte block and SPF30. This is the only SPF I’ve found to not break out my skin and not leave me with a white/shiny/sticky face. It’s a completely matte non-chalky formula and blends in well. It can be mixed with moisturiser however I find it fine applied on it’s own after my normal moisturiser. It is pricey but worth it in respect of looking after your skin and it lasts a decent amount of time too.
Treatment Mask
The most recent addition to my skincare routine is a twice a week treatment mask. I was kindly gifted the Foreo UFO 2 device and it has become my new favourite toy. It gives a 90 second tailored treatment depending on the mask you choose and there are lots of great options to try depending on your skincare concern. This has certainly helped hydrate my skin and gives me a glow each and every time I use it. My favourite mask is Bulgarian Rose although I’ve recently been trying Glow Addict. The treatment is relaxing and soothing and is the best at home alternative to a facial.
xo!